The last day in Iceland, I woke up very early, took a quick breakfast at the hotel and waited for the bus to take us to the Keflavik airport. There was a kind of bus tour that went by every hotel to take travellers to the airport (if you didn't forget to inform the reception the day before :-) ). The bus took us to a central bus station, and from there we had to take another bus to the airport. Though I expected to be it very organised, it felt much like disorder. People had to go on and then again off buses, everyone rushing and pushing to get on the same bus... Needless to say, I was happy to arrive right on time at the airport. The airport itself seemed to be very organised. ... read more

When we were driving back to Reykjavik, Haukur had arranged the possibility for us -who wanted- to do a helicopter flight over the Eyjafjallajökkull volcano. We had to decide very quick if we wanted to participate or not. After a little bit hesitating, a quick call to my family, I decided to give it a try.. Since it was the first time that I was in a helicopter, I didn't know what to except. But I can tell you this: it's not reassuring if you have to complete a document before departure with a name and telephone-number of someone who they can reach "if there should occur a problem". Not necessary to say that I was nervous about it! It took us about ten minutes to reach the vulcano. In the meantime we saw lots of ... read more

On the road, we saw a lot of testimonies of the power of nature. Even better, we saw it live! Remember, the volcano Eyjafjallajökull was erupting at the time when we were on the island. Since Iceland contains a lot of volcanoes, the history of Iceland is characterised by eruptions. Maybe I should have said "even the history of Europe", because there are voices saying that even the French revolution has a connection with a volcanic eruption on Iceland. Due to the eruption of the Laki volcano in 1783, there was a change of weather patterns, which caused disruption of the economy in northern Europe. This with a result of food poverty, which is told to be an influence of the French revolution. I've got the impression that the Icelandic people kind off "adapted their behaviour" ... read more

At the Vatnajökull, we participated a glacier walking tour which included some initiating to ice-climbing. This activity was accompanied by a guide. First we had to put on helmets, crampons, ... After a little initiation (apparently you have to walk like a cowboy to step down a glacier , we were ready to go. It was a great experience. The first time in my life on a glacier. If I have the change to do it again, I will not hesitate. We even got the possibility to do some ice-climbing. Also something that I've never did before. In total we climbed about a 14 meter high. I have to admit that -although I suffer from vertigo-, it went quite well. Since this experience wasn't included, we had to pay directly to the guide. A fellow traveller ... read more

After arriving at the Keflavik airport, our local guide Haukur waited for us. Although it looked very sunny outside (I thought I had too many warm clothes with me, like always...), we realised when we get out of the airport, that is was very, very cold. Haukur waited for us with a "super jeep", a kind of four-wheel-drive with very huge tires. This should make it possible for us to reach the "off road" places. At that moment we also got to meet the other members of the group. Apparently they were all Dutch-speaking Belgians like me. We then went off to the Blue Lagoon. At night we saw the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull in the dark. Although it was far away from us, we could see it very clear. It was very cold and windy. ... read more